Click on the cover to see the digitized edition

Na Wahine O Ke Kai
Molokai Hoe
Harrison 'Beanie' Lono Heen
What is tradition?
Paddling Scholarship
SoCal Ocean Racing
Another Dam Race
Canadian National Sprint Champs
Keeping your muscles limber
Canoe surfing challenge

"It was really rough and sloppy, just a lot of stuff coming left-to-right, right-to-left. Lucky the current and wind was pushing us the whole way."
- Molokai Hoe

On the cover Harrison 'Beanie' Lono Heen

2012 IVF World Outrigger Sprint Due Dates
The 2012 IVF World Outrigger Sprint Championships is August 11 thru 15, 2012 in Calgary, Canada. An intent to participate is due October 31, 2011. Information submitted will be used to help in the planning and organization of the Hawaii trials, which will be held on Sunday, January 15 at Keehi Lagoon. The intent to participate fee is $100.00 per Club/Team and $10.00 for each V1 paddler. Trial registration deadline is November 30 with a fee of $30.00 per paddler/person. Late trial registration fee $50.00 per paddler/person.
After the Hawaii Trails, the Hawaii area coordinator will notify each club/team or individual of the results and final payment. The final registration fee is due January 31. Only those who qualify for Hawaii's allotted lanes will be notified. It is mandatory that all Hawaii clubs, teams and paddlers wear the Hawaii Racing Jersey. Hawaii Delegation T-shirts are recommended.
Final registration fee is $60.00 per paddler plus Hawaii Racing Jersey and delegation tee shirt for $45.00.
All forms and payments should be sent to: Luana Froiseth
791 Sunset Ave
Honolulu, Hawaii 96816
Email: LuanaFroiseth@AOL.com
or phone 808-732-2639(H) or 808-330-4774.
Make all payments to: HCRA – World Sprints. All payments are non- refundable.

Harrison" Beanie" Lono Heen

>>See this story along with photos in the digitized edition of Pacific Paddler >>

Harrison" Beanie" Lono Heen passed away on Nov 4, 2011 in Waimea, Hawaii. These are a few remembrances of time with Beanie. For more, or to add your own, go to www.AlohaBeanie.com.

Kamoa Kalama - Auwe auhea len a ali'i o'Hawai'i o ka aina o'Kailua. Aloha - Akahai e na Hawai'i Mahalo for the kindness that you've shown to all who crossed your path. Aloha- Lokahi a ku like' Mahalo for impressing upon all of us the importance of family, the importance of teamwork, the recognition that we are strongest when we stand together. Aloha- Olu'olu ka mana'o Mahalo for seeing the good in all of us; for sharing your wisdom; and for your positive thinking when it mattered most. Aloha- Ha'a ha'a kou kulana Mahalo for the humility that you exhibited in your role as a husband, father, brother, friend, and coach; always giving of yourself so that others may be fulfilled. Aloha- Ahonui a lanakila Mahalo for the patience and perseverance that you exhibited when pushing us to pursue our dreams and for teaching us how to put our best effort forward. Aloha

Lynn Heen - My first day of paddling, so nervous, only 17. This handsome, loving boy came and introduced himself. I was instantly calm, we talked for hours. He promised to take me to Disneyland someday... We were planning our lives together in the first few months... And our life together was the best... 41 years of being best friends, a wonderful family with beautiful children & grandchildren. An amazing amount of fun and a lifetime of love... Who could ask for more? Thank you Beanie, I will love you forever.

Harrison Keli`iiolono Heen (Beanie's son) - I've been trying to come up with the right words to express how thankful I am for all the love and support that everyone has given me and my family. It's pretty amazing how many lives my dad touched and the ridiculous amount of people he's coached over the last 40 years. He spoke without words and gave you his approval with a simple nod. I am so proud to be his son and know he would be proud he could still kick my ass in a canoe ...... My dad was a man's man, and he had the knuckles and knees to prove it. I hope to someday be able to fill his shoes. Thank you all so much!!!!

Heather Keaukahalani Theadora Heen - He helped me take my first steps (I'm sure he caught me on the tumble a few times)... He made me my first paddle (a solid 42" wrapped with black electrical tape so my tiny hands wouldn't slip)... Helped me reel in my first fish (it was a humu so we had to throw it back, but that thing was a fighter! Felt like a 200lb marlin on the other end of that line, for real)... Even gave me my first beer (silver bullet of course, I couldn't have been more than 5. Just a sip he said ... yeah right!)... Every "first' in my life revolved around him. Except of course the first boyfriend because "don't even think about it till you're 3~!!!'' His way of protecting I guess, didn't take long to throw that theory out the window. You see ... I was a good girl (ha!). He didn't have to protect me from the outside world because there was nowhere I'd rather be than right by his side, there was nobody cooler than my dad. I just thought he was the coolest guy! Hanging with him was like hanging with an old man version of myself... Pretty awesome! Pretty much everyone thought he was that cool... He was kick ass! "Kick ass is my middle name," he used to tell me. I would remind him that he was getting old and then he would tell me the truth... How was practice today? "Kickin some ass of course."
He was kick ass alright, a kick ass dad, kick ass coach, he kicked ass at everything he did. From laying carpet (cause he was by far the fastest), paddling and building boats (it was on his bucket list until he learned the hard way how much hard work was involved in it). He was the best!!! My "man of few words" dad, coach, boss and friend. Never wanted to be "one of the old guys"...Left "at the top of his game". Much love to my daddy-O ... Gonna spend the rest of my life trying to fill his kick ass footsteps.

Kai Opua Canoe Club - The Beanie Years Our crew was to benefit from Beanie's guidance, vision, integrity and calm enthusiasm. It was as if the stars were beginning to align and the possibilities of competing at the highest level was not at all lost on us. We were becoming a complete package under Beanie's guidance... Strong, fit paddlers... Ready to jump as high as he would raise the bar. Part of the package was not only having the support of Kai Opua but the entire Big Island. And to complete the picture, our coach had a most amazing wife who supported our campaign as well. Lynn was so helpful and became a dear friend to us all. Most of us now experienced for the first time another piece of the winning puzzle, the coach's boat. Beanie had a separate boat to escort us across the Kaiwi Channel. Beanie left no detail to chance. We had reached the big time and this was part of his game plan. But of course, we were careful not to end up in the "Principal's Office". If you weren't the steerer taking planned relief (and debrief) in Beanie's boat, your unscheduled visit to the Principal's Office usually meant something was not going as planned. Good stories... We can easily remember that look Beanie would give you. "The girls" as he called us, now had the edge we needed (after countless keokea runs) to "kick some ass". Our "club crew" went on to win the next 3 consecutive Na Wahine races, 2000- 2002. Fondly known as "the 3-peat" we had, after all, been not only successful as a crew, but our entire women's program at Kai Opua dominated in its Beanie Era. The Kai Opua novice, open and age division crews were the best in Hawaii. A true testament to Beanie's far reaching influence. Those years of competing successfully in Hawaii were peppered with more trips to Australia, Tahiti and a memorable paddling/road trip to British Colombia and The Gorge. It certainly wasn't all about training and racing. We were a crew that enjoyed the extended ohana that we traveled and competed with. Everyone wanted to ride along with Beanie. Physically, Beanie has left us. But how rich our lives have been for the time we spent with him. The circle of friends left is huge, and I'm sure we will continue to benefit from all the lessons we've learned from Beanie. And we can all remember the shared experiences with lots of laughter... And the twinkle in Beanie's eye.

Randy Botti I first met Beanie in early 1995. I was new to the OC-1 scene, and met him at one of the races. He was hanging out with Willy Dunhour and Shawn Murphy. I knew them from my Kawaihae Canoe Club days, so we fell right in. OC-1/Surfski races on Hawaii Island were still run by Kanaka Ikaika in those days, but there a was movement to form our own Hawaii Island Association. It was specifically at Beanie's suggestion that I sought to take a lead position in Hawaii Island Paddlesports Association. Over the next 15 years, Beanie was an advisor, a critic, a friend, and as co-sponsor of our biggest event each year, the Kohala Coast Challenge, a partner. Beanie never really wanted to be the front person, but he became the conscience of H.I.P.A. He was the one I went to for advice and was the first one to tell me when I screwed up. I will forever treasure our numerous "into the wee hours" postulations about all things paddling at his kitchen table after our kuelana was pau at those early Kohala Coast challenge events. It is my hope to continue his legacy and pass the mana'o he shared with me to the next generation. Beanie made his mark. Jessie Kaawa (Eames) Among the many greatnesses of Beanie, he had a special gift as a paddling coach. Not sure if I can put my finger on it exactly, maybe it was either that he could see potential where it might otherwise been overlooked, or he was just that talented at coaching that he could take something mediocre and turn it into something prestigious. I came to paddle for Beanie by the random chance that he saw something in me that I didn't even see in myself- potential to be a part of a novelty crew who would climb to the top. Winning Na Wahine 0 Ke Kai, claiming World Sprints Titles, and getting to travel all over to race were just a few of the perks that came along having Beanie in my life. He taught me the limitless achievements one could accomplish, as long as you "did your homework." And even if you "did your homework," once in a while you just might mess up on the test- but as those of us who paddled for Beanie knew, it was nothing that a visit to the "Principles Office" (his private escort boat) couldn't set straight ... The Heen family became my second ohana as we grew closer over the years and they lovingly took me in as a second daughter. Getting to see the life behind the scenes of the legend himself was actually quite comical. I also learned that behind this strong, innovative, and successful man was just as amazing of woman, Aunty Lynn .... whom without the story of the life of Beanie Heen could not have been so well written. I continue to learn more and more of the monumental contributions Beanie has done for the paddling community. Paddling in Hawaii would not be where it is today without his hard work and devotion, and for that a Big Mahalo ... He will be greatly missed indeed, but his legacy will live on and be in my heart forever.
Cindy & the boys of Surf Park Outrigger "We little knew yesterday that God was going to call your name. In life we love you dearly, in death we do the same. It breaks our hearts to lose you, however, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us many happy memories, and lessons to be taught, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you will always be at our side. Our paddling family chain is broken and nothing will seem the same; but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again."

Eddie Hayward Beanie's presence at Kawaihae Canoe Club was a blessing among all. Beanie along with his side kicks Sean Murphy, Willy Dunhour and Ron Auwae to name a few was what the younger generation, at that time, needed to have. Beanie believed in training hard consistently. His appreciation as well as dedication to and for paddling became a trend for many of us to follow. A lot of these trainings were on the OC1. Some in the flat, but most was in the surf. If the wind was right anywhere between Kawaihae and Kuki'o, it was on, but the majority of this was up North at Keokea on Sunday's. These runs attracted many, which resulted in making our own OC1 trailer, which held 12 canoes. That trailer still stands today. We knew that Beanie took us up to Keokea so that we could be better than we were. But, actually Beanie took us up there so he could" school" our 'okole in the surf on his white electrical tape holding, number 72 having, canoe the Conner. That canoe was ugly! But Beanie made it a fast ugly canoe. Brahdah Beanie was mean in the surf! What made Keokea runs so special was actually post Keokea. Post Keokea was the Coors Light meetings. These meetings began as soon as the canoes where tied on to the trailer at Coast Guard. Quickly into the cooler and off to Kawaihae we'd go. These were known as Fat Sunday's. Fat Sunday's was a time to enjoy the day and life, but more so, the relationship that we shared as a group. These Fat Sunday's took place on the grass area behind the banana trees where Beanie and company stored their OC1 canoes so no one would see us, or right in front of the OC-6 canoes where we could yell, " No make dust" as some cars would be coming and going too fast out of the harbor. If Fat Sunday's were not enough reason to gather, then it was New Year's or Superbowl at the Heen's. Whatever the occasion was, it was always spearheaded by Beanie. Whenever Beanie had something going on at his house, the group surely made a point to be there. Being around Beanie was like being around your best friend. No drama, no non sense. It was real and just pure enjoyment! Beanie was also the first ever in Kawaihae Canoe Club history to organize 15 men to travel and compete on Hamilton Island, Australia. This experience was an experience that we had never witnessed before. Beanie got us to think beyond what we were accustomed to and to take on new challenges that would help us to become better. This experience has allowed us to move to a higher level, whether it be paddling or coaching. He was a great mentor on all levels, it was good to know that you could call Beanie and ask his opinion and get an honest answer. Beanie has been respected by all through the years for his commitment, dedication and pure love for paddling. Although Beanie may be gone ...... his legacy will continue to live through us all, in the qualities he humbly shared with us. Forever live fellow paddler, coach, mentor, and friend the man we know as Beaniel
Wendall Carter: The year was 1976, I was six years old and I met Beanie and Lynn when Keli'i and I were playing on the same baseball team called the Kailua Braves. Everyday, after practice, Beanie would come to pick up Keli'i, and my parents would end up talking with Beanie while waiting for us. It was a "Small World" because we later found out that my Dad (Dayton) and Grandma "Neckie" Heen grew up together in Ka'u during their childhood years in Honu'apo. Eventually, I became a member of the Heen family after Beanie talked me into signing up with Kailua Canoe Club for the "12B" crew. I remember the first time I got into a canoe, I was so nervous, but once I got in the boat and paddled, it was awesomel Except, when Lynn was coaching us and she used to make us "pull tire" up and down the canal when we would goof off. That was brutal! I also had the privilege of being coached by both Lynn and Beanie during my Kailua Canoe Club years. I still remember the days when we use camp out with Beanie at all of the Kailua Canoe Club "Blue and Gold" races at Kahana Bay and Bellows. We even use to camp in the old carpet van when we raced at the regattas in Nanakuli. I would always end up with the Heen's when we traveled to the outer island for the State canoe races. Those were some fun timesl Growing up together as best friends, Keli'i and I were inseparable. Keli'i and I spent a lot of time together between playing soccer, baseball, and canoe paddling. Keli'i and i ended up going to school together at Kamehameha along with our buddy Jalene "Bellhead". By the way, i think Beans was the one that gave her that name. This just made me remember a good story. I remember Beanie taking the two of us to Sherwood Forest in Waimanalo. His goal was to teach us how to surf. He had this brand new yellow Local Motion surfboard that he was trying to teach us on, but he could barely stand on it himselfl Beanie would tell us the board was "a heap". Of course it had to be the board .. yah right! Always trying to be the cool Dad. To me, Beanie was not only a great paddler, but a great Father figure for me as well when I was growing up. He and Lynn would always include me whenever they were planning family activities such as the holidays, parties, going to concerts like Kenny Rogers or Lionel Richie, going to the movies, and going fishing on Grandpa Heen's boat. These are just a few of the many great times that I had with Beanie while growing up in Kailua. Then, when I think I was about 11, Lynn gave birth to Heather. I remember how "stoked" Beanie was when she was born. I also thought it was great because when Heather was a toddler, she would only go to me and was a very happy baby! I still can remember how happy Beanie was on the day "Hebbs" was born. It was the start of one the greatest father daughter relationships that I have ever seen! Beanie and Lynn were also there for many of the accomplishments in my life which included high school graduation, recruit class graduation, marriage, and Lynn was there during the birth of my daughter, Malia, and my son, La'akea. I feel very privileged to have had two fathers and two mothers. Beanie also gave me my first real job .. .laying rug! I worked for him as a "gadut", rubbish man, carpet trimmer, estimator, warehouse manager, to name just a few of my job titles. No matter what job we were on, Beanie always made it fun no matter how tough the work was. It was while I was working for H. Heen Carpeting that a new tradition began. The annual Las Vegas trips Beanie would take us on to attend the annual flooring convention. Beanie would take all of his employees to Vegas, and we would stay for five days, but I think we would only go to the flooring convention for about an hour at the mostl I remember on one particular flight to Vegas, Me, Beanie, Keli'i, Uncle "Brah" Bruhn, Curt Bruhn, Brad Patterson, Erik Ayau, David Maeva, and Kyle Lishman stood by the back bar in the plane the entire flight and polished off all the beer on the plane. What a blast we had! I remember Beanie and Lynn would enjoy playing the slot machines, and Beanie thought I was the best blackjack player around. I promise it had nothing to do with all the tequila shots we had! This later turned into the annual "Super bowl" trip to Vegas which Beanie and I were just talking about doing recently. My most memorable Las Vegas trip was when we met up with the Heen's at the Harrah's Carnival Court bar to watch the Super bowl. It was awesome because we could watch the football game while sitting on a blackjack table and play at the same time, not to mention the copious amounts of libations we had! We were having so much fun that day and wouldn't leave even though it was "freezing"l I would tell you more stories, but remember "What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas!" Recently, Beanie and Heather came to help me install some laminate flooring at my home in Hilo. I remember asking Beanie if he could install the flooring for me and he replied, "If you help me." I knew when Beanie said that, I was going to get punished! We ended up spending four days to complete the job and it came out "cherry". I remember how exhausted I was, and thought to myself, how could Beanie have done this stuff for the last 40 yearsl That's crazy! But that's Beanie, the hardcore trooper! He use to call himself "The Master" and I would always end that with another word and crack up laughing! That was all a part of the "job humor" that kept us going. While reflecting back of Beanie's life, he was a very giving person that would always put everyone else first and would treat everyone that he knew with great respect and would never "judge a book by its cover". He was a man of few words, but the few words that he said, "Everyone Listened". When I look back at all the accolades that Beanie has accomplished during his life, I think that his greatest accomplishment was being a great husband, father, grandfather, and friend. I feel very blessed to have had "Beanie" in my life, and will forever remember all the great times we had. Until we meet again Aloha, Wenny

Carleen & Cliff Ornellas Our world is a much better place with Beanie in it, no matter how near or far. He might know now how much he affected us all. He gave you his all and you had to give it your all as well to earn your seat. Fond memories of training, travels, wins, loses, hanging out, tequila shots and fun times. He's always in our hearts. Mahalo to Beanie and Lynn, KeWi and Heather for sharing him.

Grace Emanuel Thank you for loving me, believing in me and letting me call you dad.
Ikaika Hauanio: In 2004, a group of us started to form Tui Tonga Canoe Club and we wanted to create a successful program that would continue on beyond our paddling years. We knew that we needed the best coach, whom everyone respected and admired, to lead the way. Beanie agreed to coach the Tui Tonga men's program in 2005. We spent a lot of time practicing in Beanie's backyard-our Keokea visits were early and often-it paid off for us. In that season, we placed 1st in the Queen Liliuokalani Race, 1St at Catalina, and a 2nd place finish (best ever by a Big Island men's crew) in the 2005 Moloka'i Hoe. The crew members were: Kafoa Hala Latu, Bruce Ayau, Nathan Hendricks, Thibert Lussiaa, Nick Agorastos, Lyle Palakiko, Mike Field, Nue Youderian and Ikaika Hauanio. In 2006, we had high expectations, but the strong personalities in the crew caused a lot of headaches. The same crew (with Andy Penny) finished first in the HCRA State Regatta Senior Men's event, 3rd in Liliuokalani, 1st in Catalina, but finished 11th overall in the 2006 Molokai Hoe. We cured Beanie of ever wanting to coach a men's crew again (I still feel bad about that). In that year, we were also were lucky enough to have him coach us to the World Sprints in New Zealand. We won the award for the most alcohol consumed and had a great time, but stunk it up in the actual races.